The Dartmoor Classic 2017 by Ben Greenland

Myself and Alister Trendell from Honiton Spinners rode the Dartmoor Classic Grande route along with Andrew Simmons in lovely weather. Alister was trying to beat last year’s Gold time of 6 hours 2 mins while I was trying to get my first ever Silver time. I had the split times from last year and in the knowledge that I needed to be quicker by just over 45 mins it was going to be a tough target. We set off well and made it to Princetown for the first time 19 mins up. Our faster pace continued up until we reached back to Princetown for the second time where it became clear that a silver time was still on the cards but it was going to be close. The Silver time was 7.14 for my age group and my finishing time was 7.06 with Andrew a few minutes faster. Alister had had an amazing ride, finding a fellow ridder to team up with and smashed last year’s time completing it in 5.43 and coming 7 th overall.

Mike Bowring, Gary Enticott, Olivia Higginson and Craig Boyde also rode the popular Devon Classic. Mike, Gary and Craig rode the 60 mile route, starting at Bicton Park, taking in Sidmouth, Honiton, Exmouth and Peak Hill. Olivia, still recovering from injury, tackled the 25 mile route. She was delighted to beat three male riders, who rode in her slip stream along Exmouth seafront before overtaking her, but she beat them to the finish! Congratulations also to Ellie Dominy to come in 2 nd lady in the Honiton Sprint Tri. She was delighted to be a minute quicker than last year, but that illusive triathlon win is in her sights!

Congratulations also go to Rachel Mandrupson, who came third in her category. She says: “A great Honiton Tri and thanks to everyone who organised and marshalled it.”

Meanwhile, Scott Rumens loved the cycling parts of the Tour de France route, climbing over 3862 feet of climb in the Tarn, although it was, he admitted, a bit hot!